Things to do Alone in Singapore

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
Things to do Alone in Singapore

Sometimes, you just need some time away from people. Interaction is great and all, but getting some space to be alone and clear your head is necessary once in a while. It's the same with vacations. Some may be fun to spend with friends and family, while others might be better off alone.

So, if you're visiting Singapore this year by yourself and want to know what's good, we've got you covered. In this list of the best things to do alone in Singapore, we'll cover all of the city's best bits while riding solo. And who knows, you might even meet a special someone along the way.

Including:

  • City tours by bus, boat, or bike
  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin
  • Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience
  • Singapore Zoo
  • and more!
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Image courtesy of Towfiqu ahamed barbhuiya/Shutterstock

Big Bus Singapore

If you're traveling alone, the thought of solo sightseeing probably fills you with giddy glee. Without the hindrance of human connection, you're free to soak up all the culture and landmarks with quiet contemplation and a keen ear. And where better to see all of Singapore's best bits than on a bus tour of the city?

Thanks to the hop-on, hop-off nature of the tour, you can get off at any landmark, explore, and then hop on the next bus to move on. Your audio guide will fill you in on all the history of each stop, giving you insight into the era they were built.

If you're interested in the melting pot of cultures present in the city, take the red line to see the likes of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Or, if you're in it for the spectacle, take the yellow line to see Singapore's most famous attractions like the Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Art Museum, and Raffles Hotel.

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Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour

If you prefer your sightseeing on two wheels with a dollop of adrenaline, then why not take a bike tour of the city instead?

With your expert guide in tow, you'll visit many of Singapore's highlights, including Chinatown, the Singapore River, Boat, Clarke & Robertson Quays, Kampong Glam, The Museum District, and more. They'll make sure to keep you in the loop with the history, culture, and big events that have taken place in each area.

And, over the course of the four-hour tour, you'll work up a nice sweat to boot - the perfect remedy to your calorific evening excursions!

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Singapore River Cruise

And to round out our sightseeing portion of the day, if bikes and buses don't quite cut it, see the city from a different perspective on a Singapore river cruise!

Board a traditional bumboat, and you'll float in style past famous sights like Old Parliament House, Raffles' Landing Site, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade, The Merlion Park, and Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.

Just make sure your phones or cameras are at the ready - you'll want to snap dozens of pictures to the envy of everyone else.

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Gardens by the Bay

One of the best things to do alone is to experience nature in its most peaceful form. And in Singapore, you've got the Gardens by the Bay, one of the most recognizable green spaces on the planet.

Over 101 hectares and filled with 1.5 million plants from all over the world, you'll explore indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, conservatories, huge sculptures, artwork, and more. Its beauty is so widely known that you might even recognize it - many films and TV shows have filmed scenes amid its luscious flora.

Be sure to check out the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse. Inside, you'll find displays representative of five continents, including 1000-year-old olive trees. And if you want to add a cinematic sheen to your visit, check out Avatar: The Experience at Cloud Forest. This immersive experience will transport you to Pandora and allow you to marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastical creatures.

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Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin

This is the second time on this list we'll be heading onto the water. But this time, you're free to go at your own pace. Well, to a degree. Ketam Island is one of the last villages in Singapore, so go exploring on this kayak adventure!

You and a few others will join an expert guide as you roam the waters around Pulau Ubin, home to Ketam Island. Alongside the rustic village, you'll find plenty of untouched natural beauty, good vibes, and fresh air to fill your lungs with.

And your guide will be happy to fill your withered brain with sweet, sweet knowledge about all the flora, fauna, and culture you'll find. If you're looking for relaxing things to do alone in Singapore, this kayak adventure should be top of your itinerary!

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Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience

If you've ever wanted to take to the skies in a fighter jet, you can do the next best thing with this VR Fighter Jet Experience!

Perfect for solo travelers, you'll get basic training from a qualified instructor. Then, you'll hop in the virtual cockpit and be pulling corkscrews, loops, and flashing past American landmarks like the Grand Canyon to the Golden Gate Bridge.

All that without ever leaving the ground. Nice. Then, when you're done, you can attempt landing a multi-million dollar piece of tech. Good luck.

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Singapore Zoo

And finally, we'll end our exploration of things to do alone in Singapore with a little visit to the animal kingdom. At Singapore Zoo, you'll have the chance to meet thousands of exotic animals from across the globe.

If you like orangutans, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, crocodiles, monkeys, rhinos, and zebras, you'll be in your element. But this isn't any old zoo. It's more of an open concept, landing somewhere between a zoo and a safari. That means more space for the animals and happier animals as a result.

And that's everything you need to know about things to do alone in Singapore! Looking for more fun things to do on your vacation? Check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price. Even things to do with others, if you happen to meet someone on your solo travels!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Woman watching the sun set over Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
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Singapore to Bangkok – How to Get There

Considering doing a double header in Southeast Asia? You could do worse than a trip that takes in both Bangkok and Singapore, two of the greatest cities in the region, if not the world. We’re talking balmy tropical weather, exciting attractions, world-class hotels with pools and some of the finest street food you’ll ever experience. And with direct flights that connect the two in the blink of an eye, there’s really no reason not to. Read on for our whistlestop guide to Singapore and Bangkok – and the best ways to get from one to the other. Bangkok in a Nutshell Bangkok enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, with a hot dry season between March and June, when sweltering daytime temperatures can top 100 degrees, with a warm rainy season from July to October and a cooler, drier period from November to February. Bear in mind that ‘cooler’ is a relative term in Bangkok and you can still expect t-shirt-wearing temperatures in the mid-70s during winter. Bangkok’s crowded streets and noisy traffic can seem overwhelming to newbies but getting around is actually relatively easy thanks to the excellent BTS SkyTrain network which links the airport to downtown and serves most of the key districts in the city center. An extensive metro system supplements this and, for something a little different, a variety of ferries, water taxis and long-tailed boats serve the waterways. And can you even say you’ve visited Bangkok if you haven’t traveled by túk-túk? Though almost always an uncomfortable and somewhat terrifying rip-off, these iconic three-wheeled taxis have to be experienced at least once on any visit to the city. In a place as big as Bangkok there are of course accommodation options to suit every budget. Big-name and luxury brands including Kempinski, Carlton, Marriott, Shangri-La and Anantara are well-represented here if you have a bit of cash to flash, but there are plenty of mid-range and budget options to choose from, too. Perhaps unsurprisingly, you’ll find the most competitive prices during the rainy season. Singapore in a Nutshell Much like Bangkok, Singapore is hot, humid and frequently wet. Temperatures here hover in the high 80s year round, with a tropical climate that promises regular downpours during the two monsoon seasons from December to March and June to September. Rainfall here is often sudden, short and, well, spectacular, so prepare by carrying a good umbrella if you’re visiting in monsoon season, but don’t otherwise let this put you off visiting! The transport infrastructure here in the Garden City is second to none, with a superb mass transit system (MRT), dedicated cycling paths and even cable cars and monorails. The MRT is basically your best friend when in Singapore, with speedy automated underground trains that span almost the entire island and connect you to top attractions including Marina Bay, the Singapore Flyer observation wheel, the Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road shopping district. Hop on the cable car or monorail to reach the beautiful white-sand beaches and many popular attractions on Sentosa Island, and rent a bicycle if you’re feeling fit and fancy seeing some of the abundant nature that covers around 50% of Singapore. There are hundreds of miles of dedicated (and mostly flat) cycle paths across the island, from downtown commuter lanes to major out-of-town networks including the epic Park Connector Network and Central Urban Loop. Note that failing to wear a helmet when cycling here is against the law and will likely result in a hefty fine. Singapore accommodation is just as varied as Bangkok, with Raffles, the Ritz-Carlton and Marina Bay Sands with its absolutely enormous 57th-floor infinity pool among the best-known luxury options in town. There are stacks of budget and mid-range options, too. But bear in mind that Singapore is rather an expensive city to visit, especially compared to Bangkok! So if you’re looking for electronic gadgets, fashion brands and other luxury souvenirs to take home, it’s worth noting that you’ll get far more bang for your buck in Thailand. Top Things to do in Singapore and Bangkok There are stacks of attractions worthy of your time in both Bangkok and Singapore, not least the world-class street food and hawker centers serving up zingy noodle pots, hot curries, sticky peanut satay and umami seaweed dishes. Then there are the grand Bangkok palaces and temples and sprawling night markets. Singapore offers a little more for the thrill seeker, with sky-high rides that include the Singapore Flyer observation wheel (one of the world’s highest), the Sentosa SkyHelix and a giant swing that flies high over the palm-fringed golden sands of Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island. With Go City, you can save a packet on visiting multiple attractions in both destinations. Click here to view Singapore attractions and pass options, and click here for Bangkok. Singapore to Bangkok – How to Get There Traveling between Singapore and Bangkok really couldn’t be simpler. Carriers including Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines operate several direct flights daily. Budget airlines including Scoot, Jetstar and VietJet Air also cover the route from Changi Airport to Suvarnabhumi with one-way prices starting from as little as $120. Once in Bangkok, the formidable BTS SkyTrain will get you to destinations in and around the city center at near-lightning speed. But there are other options available should you choose to take them. Adventurers and dedicated slow travelers can turn the journey into an experience in itself by taking the train: an epic 30-hour journey across some 2,000 kilometers that starts by crossing the Johor-Singapore Causeway bridge into Malaysia then weaves north to Kuala Lumpur and up through the atmospheric Cameron Highlands before crossing the border into the mountainous rainforests of Thailand’s Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park. From there, another thrilling 17 hours of train travel through stunning jungle and coastal landscapes will deliver you straight to the center of buzzing Bangkok. This train is of course not direct and requires a bit of planning and a few changes along the way. We’d recommend a stop-off in Kuala Lumpur because, heck, why not chuck another Asian super-city into your vacation? Connected to the mainland by road, the island of Penang in the north-west of Malaysia presents another fine opportunity for a stopover: beautiful beaches, stunning colonial architecture and easily some of the finest street food in Asia are just three good reasons to take a break here. Once you’re across the border, Hat Yai is your best bet for a short stop. It’s perhaps best known as a jumping-off point for some of southern Thailand’s best-loved islands – Ko Samui, Ko Lipe, Phuket – and you’ll find budget minivans, buses and flights serving all of these and more. If you’ve got time on your hands, we can think of no better way of getting from Singapore to Bangkok than turning the journey into a mini-vacation all of its own. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore and Bangkok Save on admission to Singapore and Bangkok attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Singapore Street Food and Night Tour
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What to do in Singapore in October

Singapore in October? Really? It’s certainly true that pre-monsoon October sees more rain than the months of June to September. Heavy showers generally break in the afternoon, clearing streets for an hour or two, along with the worst of the city’s humidity. However, the mix of indoor and outdoor attractions means you won’t ever be short of things to do in Singapore in October. Plus, reduced traveler demand promises a great value stay. Add to this a packed program of events, and you’ll soon realize that the off-season is anything but. October in Singapore? Absolutely yes! Here’s why... Fascinating cultural events Thankfully, Singapore’s October rain doesn’t put a stop to any of the city’s cultural events. Foremost among them is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Spanning more than a week, it’s celebrated by Taoists. It begins at East Coast Park, where adherents ritually wash religious artefacts housed in Charn Mao Hern Kiu Huang Keng Temple. They are accompanied by the sound of gongs, and flowing movement of lion dancers. Rather different is Singapore’s Fall Fashion Week, an annual celebration of all things couture at the end of October. It’s where Asia’s major fashion houses first show their latest collections to the public. Events take place in malls across the city. The end of October is also marked by Halloween, an event which has taken Singapore by storm. Many top attractions take on a spooky air. Look out for ghost ships sailing the waters around Sentosa. Other scary takes include nightclubs draped in cobwebs and costume balls to die for. Finally, there’s Oktoberfest. It’s a long way from the festival’s traditional home in Munich, but great fun nonetheless. An increasing number of bars, restaurants, and hotels are getting involved with special menus and deals. But you shouldn’t forget about Singapore’s home-grown beer either. A Tiger Brewery Tour takes visitors behind the scenes of a lager available in 60 countries. That’s despite none of the main ingredients being native to the island! Top outdoor attractions Mornings tend to be the best time to head outside in Singapore in October. The risk of a rain shower is minimal, and the humidity is yet to build. Mornings therefore provide the perfect opportunity for exploring Singapore’s multitude of outdoor attractions. Head to tranquil Pulau Ubin island for an activity not usually associated with big cities – kayaking. Known for its traditional way of life, Pulau Ubin is rich in flora and fauna. It even boasts some of Singapore’s last remaining mangrove forest. What better way to explore them but by bobbing in the waves on a kayak? Although true flight is out of reach, SkyHelix Sentosa offers the next best thing. Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride, its gondolas reach almost 80 meters above the ground. As you might imagine, the resulting vistas are incredible, stretching from the Southern Islands to Keppel Bay. And if you time it right, the sunsets are amazing. Alternatively, take advantage of the dry weather to head to the open top deck of a Big Bus Singapore. Its two routes connect the Downtown area’s most iconic landmarks. The added commentary helps peel back layer after layer of history. Indoor attractions not to miss They may provide a handy escape from a shower, but Singapore’s best indoor attractions are worth visiting whatever the weather. Take the Asian Civilizations Museum. Its galleries are packed with artifacts. They span themes from Islamic art to the religions of India. It’s the remnants of the Tang shipwreck which form the highlight for many. Dating to AD 830, its hold was packed with 60,000 items, largely beautifully decorated pieces of blue and white porcelain. Staying beneath the waves, S.E.A Aquarium provides a home for 100,000 animals. They belong to around 1,000 species from 50 habitats, from manta rays to clown fish. Meanwhile, the dedicated Shark Seas Habitat has no less than 200 brooding predators, including silvertip, lemon, and hammerhead sharks. If it’s celebrities rather than sharks you’re keen to encounter, head to Madame Tussauds Singapore. The world-famous museum contains waxworks of the great and the good, from Jackie Chan to Taylor Swift. In addition, ticket holders get to enjoy the actor-led Images of Singapore show, Singapore’s only indoor boat ride, and the Marvel 4D Experience. Unforgettable evenings in Singapore in October The Gardens by the Bay complex is incredible at any time of day. Thanks to its two massive glasshouses – the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – it’s also magical come rain or shine. And its out of this world Supertree Grove has to be seen to be believed. Each evening, the gardens pile joy on joy with the Garden Rhapsody show. This light and sound extravaganza has a different theme each month. It takes place at 7:45 and 8:45PM each night and is free to attend. Singapore’s hawker centers are another evening stop worth adding to your itinerary. Forget any ideas you might have of dodgy watches or third-rate kitchen utensils. Singapore’s hawkers are sublime chefs serving up great value, great tasting dishes. So grab a seat at a communal table and share a meal with some of the people who call Singapore home. Alternatively, find many of Singapore’s more exotic residents at Night Safari. The first nocturnal zoo anywhere in the world, it gives a glimpse into the life of creatures usually not seen. Using state of the art lighting which mimics moonlight, it has four zones. Their diversity means visitors have the chance to admire everything from Asian elephants to highly endangered Sunda pangolins. And we say that’s well worth staying up for! Why you should visit Singapore in October There’s Singapore’s October events. Plus, the city’s amazing pick of indoor and outdoor attractions. And despite what you might hear, the October weather in Singapore is very agreeable for exploring too. Then there’s off-season airfares to look forward to too. For even better value in Singapore in October, be sure to check out Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes. They’ve been specially designed to give you reduced price entry to many of Singapore’s top attractions. That’s Go City, helping your money go further!
Alex Birungi
Family in Singapore
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Family Fun in Singapore: The Best Experiences for Parents

Ready for quality time? Discover top things to do with parents in Singapore!

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